Our People / Dry Needling
Acupuncture is an ancient healing tool used by Chinese Medicine therapists in conjunction with tongue and pulse diagnosis with a view to balancing energies in the body. Adaptations of traditional Chinese medicine approaches have occurred over the last 50 years in western societies using a more scientific approach. There has been some controversy regarding the use of certain Chinese herbs due to some serious potential side effects. This has been highlighted in recent years in the Australian Medicine Journal and suggests some caution be used in adopting traditional Chinese methods. There is little scientific evidence that pulse or tongue assessment is useful. On the other hand there are several scientific studies showing the insertion of fine needles in and around areas of pain can help block pain and reduce muscle tension.
The insertion of the needles without the Chinese diagnostic approach is also known as "Dry Needling". The needles used in both approaches are the same, but different points in the body are targeted in each approach.
Fine (sterile / single use) needles are tapped virtually painlessly into the skin, sometimes through a plastic tube. After insertion the needles may be stimulated - either twisting manually or using electrical stimulation and a feeling of heaviness, numbness or tingling may be felt in that area.
The mechanism of action is not clear but extensive research has shown stimulation of very fine nerve endings which cause both a local pain blocking effect and also changes in blood chemistry due to release of pain relieving hormones from the brain all of which reduces pain and may influence healing. The insertion of needles into tight muscles also has a local relaxation effect.
The Chinese Medical Association has now placed restrictions on who can administer "Traditional Acupuncture" and who can call themselves an "Acupuncturist". All of our practitioners practicing dry needling have undergone post graduate courses in the use and safety of inserting needles - but none are registered as "Acupuncturists".
Particularly painful musculoskeletal conditions - for example migraine, neck and back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia and other non specific pain syndromes may be responsive. Dry needling can compliment physiotherapy, massage and exercise programs and can be used with prescribed medications. A course usually consists of once to twice weekly therapy for up to 10 treatments and some people will require regular maintenance. There are no age limits to treatment.
Side effects are few when practiced by a qualified therapist. The use of sterilised disposable needles eliminates the possibility of cross-infection. Some minor local redness and occasionally minor bruising may appear after acupuncture. When needles are inserted around the chest region there is a small possibility of puncturing of the chest wall and the lung, which may lead to acute shortness of breath. This should be immediately reported to your doctor.
Your therapist at Brighton Spinal Group may combine other treatments such as stretching exercises, manual therapy, Pilates strengthening, pain modifying drugs and other types of injections.
Some people have a dramatic response to dry needling and so it should not be a "last resort" therapy. It is not possible to predict who may respond to therapy - usually 4 sessions are sufficient to judge whether a response is likely.
| Chelsea Smith |
Physiotherapist / Clinical Pilates |
Chelsea Smith graduated with honours from The University of Melbourne in 2003.
She has since worked in both the public and private health care sectors in Australia and the UK. Chelsea has developed a special interest in spinal and sports injuries, pre and post natal musculoskeletal conditions and exercise prescription. As a keenlong distance runner, Chelsea is familiar with recurrent injuries and has worked with individual athletes as well as running clubs. Chesea has completed additional training in Clinical Pilates and enjoys creating specific programs for preventative conditioning and to optimise rehabilitation from injury and postural pain. |
| David Adams |
Physiotherapist / Clinical Pilates |
David Adams trained as a physiotherapist, graduating from Auckland, NZ in 1988. With 17 years experience, David has worked in private practice for most of his career in New Zealand and Australia. He has particular interest in treating spinal and sporting conditions which has led David to studying Clinical Pilates. He also has experience in treating back conditions with the McKenzie regime. David is pleased to have joined the Brighton Spinal Group in 2005 as a Clinical Pilates therapist and Physiotherapist. David also has an interest in Dry Needling. |
| Kate Harkin |
Osteopath |
Dr Kate Harkin originally completed a five year double degree of Bachelor of Clinical Science (Osteopathy) and a Masters of Health Science at Victoria University in Melbourne. Since graduating she has a wide range of experience practising in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Internationally in London and Dublin, specialising in Women’s Health care. In addition she has held lecturing positions in Osteopathic Universities in Sydney (University of Western Sydney), Melbourne (Victoria University) and London (British School of Osteopathy).
Kate is an experienced Osteopath specialising in pre/post natal and Women’s Health care. Osteopathy is a form of minimal intervention, manual treatment, using techniques such as soft tissue massage, stretching, cranial, articulation and manipulation of muscles, joints, ligaments and organs (eg; bladder, bowel, uterus etc). |
| Rowena Field |
Physiotherapist / Clinical Pilates |
Rowena graduated from the University of Queensland in 1983 and completed postgraduate studies in sport at Latrobe University (Melbourne) in 1994. Rowena ran her own private practice in Aireys Inlet and hs worked within large sports medicine centres in Melbourne. Rowena has also worked with many elite sporting teams including the Victorian and Australia Netball Teams, The Melbourne Tigers (NBL) and The Geelong Footbal Club (AFL). She has recently returned to Melbourne after 12 years in London and completed levels 1-4 in Clinical Pilates (DMA). |